Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to upgrade the theatre scene in the state, aiming to make it a source of positive and dignified entertainment. An artist fund has been established for the welfare of artists, with the CM stating that their well-being is her top priority. She believes theatre can play a significant role in promoting Pakistan's cultural heritage and identity.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355184/world-theatre-day-theatre-is-a-mirror-of-art-and-culture-cmThe recent event has brought significant investment and community involvement to Belgrade's music programs over the past three years, with local bands like Meridian highlighting its role in promoting local artists and providing them with a platform to perform for an audience. Tickets are available at panthermusic.net/event/botb.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/montana/belgrades-battle-of-the-bands-to-support-music-programs/article_8683dcea-562a-4d97-b170-4625fe670a0c.htmlThe Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has faced criticism for its handling of art pieces from majority-Muslim nations in response to Trump's travel ban. In a 2017 interview, MoMA curator Cherix emphasized the importance of inclusivity and embracing diverse works within the museum's collection. However, under the leadership of Glenn Lowry, who has been criticized for his views on protesters, the museum faced backlash during the 2021 strike against toxic philanthropy. The controversy continued with the failure to remove disgraced financier Leon Black from the board despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Protests have persisted, including a recent demonstration calling for the removal of MoMA Board Chair Marie-Josée Kravis due to her husband's investments in fossil fuel assets and the museum's hosting of the World Jewish Congress gala led by Honorary Chair Ronald Lauder, who frequently lobbies on behalf of Israel.
https://hyperallergic.com/999529/christophe-cherix-named-moma-new-director/A mysterious sound, featured in a 1971 opera, has been used as North Korea's wake-up call since at least 2018. The haunting tune, described by Michael Palin as 'the world's most unusual wake-up call', was originally composed for an opera about Kim Il Sung, the country's founder and "Eternal President". The song is played every morning from the speakers of Pyongyang Railway Station and has been met with a mix of reactions on social media, ranging from finding it "dystopian" to describing it as "surrealism at its finest".
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14543565/Tourist-dystopian-noise-north-korea-6am.htmlPCS Theater's premiere of "The Ballad of King Henry" features a unique blend of music genres, with Barg contributing 17 songs to the narrative. The production includes foot-stomping drinking anthems and full-blown musical theater ensemble numbers. A standout performance comes from Abraham Bogale as King Henry's Scottish enemy, the Earl of Douglas, who sings a country song that blends traditional country music with the turbulent "sturm und drang" German artistic movement.
https://whyy.org/articles/swarthmore-shakespeare-ballad-king-henry-players/The exhibition challenges the notion of race as a biological reality, instead viewing it as a social construct used to establish systems of power and privilege in societies like the United States. The show features 82 sculptures created between 1792 and 2023, allowing for comparisons between historical and contemporary works that aim to spark dialogue and reflection on issues of power and identity.
https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2025/03/28/Trump-Smithsonian-executive-order/9931743136785/US President Trump has issued an executive order targeting several museums in Washington D.C., including the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Women's History Museum, and the American Art Museum. The order aims to prevent "ideological indoctrination" and "divisive narratives" in these institutions, with a focus on ensuring that they promote "shared American values." Trump also wants to reinstate monuments and statues removed since 2020, citing concerns about "false reconstruction of American history" and "partisan ideology." The Smithsonian Institution's chief spokesperson, Linda St. Thomas, has declined to comment on the order.
https://www.mlive.com/news/us-world/2025/03/trumps-new-order-on-improper-ideology-targets-funding-for-the-smithsonian-the-worlds-largest-museum.htmlThe US Secretary of the Interior has been directed to review monuments and memorials within its jurisdiction for potential removal or alteration due to partisan ideology. This directive comes after President Trump's efforts to cleanse institutions, including the Kennedy Center, of what he considers "woke" content. The Kennedy Center has seen dozens of high-profile productions canceled, with artists such as Issa Rae and Ben Folds withdrawing from events. The center had previously ousted its board and installed Trump as chairman, who has expressed grievances over the institution's programming.
https://deadline.com/2025/03/trump-smithsonian-order-improper-ideology-national-monuments-1236352842/The Nafız Gürcüali Turkish Theater and its Kabare Kabare troupe are actively representing Turkish theater, receiving symbolic support from the Kosovo Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports. They participate in festivals held in Türkiye throughout the year, showcasing their performances to new audiences.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/turkish-theater-enthusiasts-realize-their-dreams-in-kosovo-207399